If developers can offer me a higher price, why should I sell to the county?
One advantage of selling your development easement to the county is that the county offer is not subject to the multitude of conditions that developers frequently include in their agreements.

Developer purchase offers are almost always based on numerous contingencies, such as approval of their development plan at certain densities and receipt of necessary state, regional, or local permits. The municipal review and approval process takes two or three years and the plan may ultimately be rejected. You may see very little, if any, money up front while you carry a substantial portion of the investment risk.

It is important to understand that the county is purchasing only the development value of your farmland and that you retain the value of the land as a farm and, if applicable, a residence. Based on the resale of restricted farmland throughout the state, that value can be substantial.

Show All Answers

1. Why are you contacting me?
2. What is a preservation easement?
3. If I sell the county a preservation easement, do I still own the land?
4. Will sale of the development rights to my land reduce its value?
5. Is there a market for deed restricted farmland?
6. How do you determine the value of my development rights?
7. Why should I sell my development rights to the county?
8. If developers can offer me a higher price, why should I sell to the county?
9. If I sell to the county will the public have the right to come on my property?
10. Is this program open to every farm owner?
11. What do I need to do to be considered for the program?
12. When will I know if I have been placed on the acquisition targeting list?
13. Does the county's focus on large farms mean that the county is not interested in smaller farm properties?
14. After I sell my development rights to the county, can I build a house for a child or other family member?
15. I have a non-agricultural use on my property or may want to establish one in the future, is this allowed?
16. How many farms are currently enrolled in this program?
17. When would the county buy my development rights?
18. Is there a deadline for submitting an application to the county for participation in the program?
19. What happens after I submit my application?
20. Am I required to submit a binding offer with the application to sell the development rights on my property for a certain price?
21. Am I required to accept the county's offer?
22. How do I get more information about the program?